The Spring/Summer catwalk look was bare matte skin, straight hair either tied back or hanging straight down and violently coloured lips and nails. Here are the basic products, some new and some old returning favorites that you will need to get The Look.....
1. The Hair Shine Product
This season your hair has to look well maintained and moisturised. Use a product that will give your hair shine without making it heavy such as Bumble and bumble Brilliantine, or to tame those pesky flyaways an old favorite, John Frieda Frizz Ease Normal Strength Serum (also avaliable in Extra Strengh).
2. Massive Powder Brush
To get the perfect skin look you need a large application brush for when you are applying the powder foundation that is essential to this look. Pour a little powder into the lid, if you are using loose powder and dip your oversized brush in. Blow of any excess carefully and apply in small circles - this gives the most natural look. If you don't already have a large brush try ID Bare Escentuals Full Coverage Kabuki Brush - pricy but worth it.
3. Hairspray
Hairspray this season is being used as a lacquer. Either your hair should be hanging straight down or be pulled into a tight ponytail. Whatever style you choose you will need hairspray to keep those strands in place. Elnett Satin from L'Oreal has been around for so long, that that alone should be enough to recommend it! It give good hold without giving you the "I've used hairspray" look and also comes in a little size that will fit in your handbag for later touch-ups. Or for the more lux choice try Bumble and bumble Classic Hairspray that you can brush out! I am in love with all their products.
4. Mineral Foundation
The pure, clean look is all over the catwalk and for this look you have to have regular clear skin. Don't fret if your skin goes red and blotchy at the slightest sight of he outdoors, mineral foundation to the rescue. Colorescience Take Out Box Kit Light As A Feather contains all you need for a pure-face; loose mineral foundation, bronzing powder, Invisible Matte Finishing Powder and a retractable brush. I haven't tried this product myself but I have been told it stays put and also has the added bonus of not clogging up your pores, so that your skin stays clean. The bronzing powder contains a little bit of shimmer and leaves a beautiful sheen.
5. Moisture Spray
To keep your skin looking fresh all day a moisture spray is a must. It keeps your make-up looking fresh and revitalised. Ole Henriksen has made Ole Henriksen Balancing Cucumber - Face Tonic Mist that tones and conditions skin while the cucumber naturally calms. Keep it with you at all times for that instant lift.
6. Dark or wild nail varnish
If you aren't ready to display this seasons vivid colours on your lips make a fashion statement on your nails instead. Chanel is still an authority in nail colours and if you are looking for a dark look then look no further than the colour 333 madness - just remember an undercoat so your nails don't get stained. For a vivid colour try one or many from the new Maybeline series Colorama.
7. Black Mascara
Either no mascara or lots and lots of long, black gothish lashes. Start at the bottom of the lash and continue right out, then give the the outer part of your lashes a few more lashings and don't forget your bottom lashes. If you aren't used to applying mascara to your bottom lashes this look may initially look a bit violent, but give it a chance. There is a sea of masacaras out there promising heaven reaching lashes and many are very good. Go fo a mascara that gives volume and length like the new YSL Luxurious Mascara Falsh Lash Effect Black which thickens your lashes optimally while lengthening them beautifully. For ultimate impact use a highlighter under your eyes and under your eyebrow so that your lashes stand out extra. YSL Touch Eclat no 01 will always be a favorite of mine, but Dior have also created a mention-worthy touchup pen. Dior Skin Flash Radiance Booster Pen is easy to use and the light reflecting particles are a god send for those early mornings.
8. Pink Lipstick
You can't get around lipstick this season. Pick one in a pink or orange shade and use a lip liner in a similar colour first (always lighter, never darker), then your lipstick won't be going anywhere. If you aren't that into lipstick then try one of the new Lancome Juicy Tubes that are out in 25 new colours/ flavours. For a pink look try the Fraise (Strawberry) and for a more orange tone go with a yummy Mangue (Mango).
9. Nailvarnish Remover
Chipped nailvarnish is not an option. It doesn't matter how much of an effort you have made, if your nailvarnish is chipped you are going to look shabby - people notice your hands more than you think. With the wild colours we are slicking on this season, the nailvarnish remover is going to be used regularily and to avoid drying out your nails and making them brittle, I advise you to use an acetone free version. It will require a little more scrubbing than with an acetone remover, but will keep your nails in better condition. Try nailpolish remover pads as they are simple and convenient to use and make correcting a flaw much easier.
10. Concealer
A girls best friend. Just after diamonds of course.... and maybe lipgloss. Removes any redness in a flash and smooths over bumps and other facial flaws we would rather not flaunt to the world. A cream concealer gives very good coverage and is good if your skin is not overly oily, such as Philosophy Supernatural Concealer that comes in light, medium and dark. Each comes with three different tones so you can mix and blend easily to achieve an exact skintone match! Really good product. If you have oily skin try a powder version without added oil like ID Bare Minerals Multi-Tasking Mineral Bisque.
Now all you have to do is practise your runway walk - it's harder than it looks!
